Information Technologies Company, Interlink Advantage, has launched a program to assist businesses wanting to "trade up" to the Linux operating system. In a program rolled out this month, Interlink Advantage will offer one free hour of network consulting as incentive to make the switch. "Linux is today's hot new technology," says Chris Little, Interlink Advantage consultant. "And, because it's Open Source, Linux is free. Linux was formerly believed to be the choice of heads-down programmers alone, but today, Linux applications are readily available for use by businesses of all sizes and in many cases, carry no licensing fees."

"As an operating system, the open source nature of Linux provides many advantages," says Little. "Linux is a highly stable platform for developers, Web servers, Internet security, and file sharing. Its reliability surpasses that of many other leading operating systems, and it's much more efficient. Linux has a high degree of flexibility. It can be used on Web servers and file servers, its applications can be shared across a network and it's easy to administer."

Linux can breathe new life into old equipment normally relegated to being "door stops" and allow them to be used as network workstations. This use of older equipment reduces hardware overhead, and saves money. In addition, older computers can be used as a "firewall" with Linux. "Anyone with DSL or Cable service should have a firewall," says Tim Chapman, President of Interlink Advantage. "Linux is generally less plagued by viruses and so with a Linux firewall in place, viruses can be more easily contained and eliminated before they 'go public'."

Interlink Advantage's one-hour free offer includes site and network evaluation and maintenance training for the network administrator. In addition, Interlink Advantage will act as an out-source consultant for companies without full-time computer support.

Interlink Advantage is a Spokane-based Information Technology Solutions company providing Web site design, development, Web hosting, network design and installation, Internet access, e-commerce, Internet marketing and consulting services to businesses and organizations throughout the United States. Interlink Advantage has been providing Linux solutions since the company was founded in 1994. For more information, call (509) 465-1234 and inquire about the Linux trade-up offer.

For more information about Interlink Advantage visit their Web site at www.interlinkadvantage.net.